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Press Releases
Radio 4 has exclusive access to CERN'S Big Bang experiment
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91Èȱ¬ Radio 4 will have exclusive access to one of the most exciting scientific experiments ever attempted when physicists try to recreate the aftermath of the Big Bang.
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This extraordinary event takes place at CERN (European Organisation for Nuclear Research) in Geneva on Wednesday 10 September 2008. Ìý
Scientists hope that recreating the moment a fraction of a second after the Big Bang will enable them to shed light on some of the greatest unanswered scientific questions about the origins of the universe and its composition.
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Radio 4 has been granted exclusive access to the CERN control room from where presenter Andrew Marr will report on the experiment throughout the day.
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The network will devote the day to related programming to coincide with the switch-on of the fastest atom-smasher in the world – the Large Hadron Collider.
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Andrew Marr says: "This will be one of the greatest scientific experiments, as well as the most expensive, ever conducted on Earth, which – fingers crossed – will reveal truths about existence guessed at but never demonstrated.
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"The eyes of the thinking world will be watching CERN, which is why it will be such a privilege to report there for Radio 4's special day, live and with unique access."
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The CERN Council has agreed to launch the experiment at 8.30am, live on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 4's Today programme.
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Other highlights of the day include a special one-off radio version of Torchwood, set at CERN and starring John Barrowman.
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CERN physicist and former member of chart-topping band D:Ream Brian Cox talks to some of the celebrity enthusiasts of particle physics including Alan Alda, Eddie Izzard, Dara O'Briain, Ben Miller and John Barrowman.
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Adam Hart-Davis looks at the engineering feats that have gone into creating this complex and sophisticated machine; comedian and former quantum physicist Ben Miller presents a three-part landmark series on our quest to unravel the atom; and comedian Steve Punt's new satire on time travel takes place at CERN.
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Details can be found online at bbc.co.uk/bigbang.
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Notes to Editors
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The Large Hadron Collider, the fastest particle accelerator ever created, will speed minuscule subatomic particles around a 27km circular tunnel that runs deep beneath the Swiss/French countryside. Travelling at almost the speed of light, the particles will be smashed together to recreate the moment just a billionth of a second after the Big Bang.
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The website will launch in advance of Big Bang Day with content that captures the dramatic significance of the experiment, including:
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Ask the Expert –
Brian Cox responds to audience questions about the experiment
Short videos –
celebrities such as Dara O'Briain and Ben Miller will attempt to explain the Big Bang, CERN, God and the Universe
A feature and gallery about CERN and its role in contemporary science fiction, from Dan Brown to Torchwood
A chance to listen to the day's programmes for seven days after broadcast, as well as a download of the Torchwood Afternoon Play.
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Programming for Big Bang Day on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 4
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Radio 4 Publicity
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